You can still keep it a floating floor. You need the foam under layment which is about 1/4 of inch or so. Lay that on top of subfloor, not carpet or padding. Put laminate floor down and as far as meeting the carpet, you just need to buy a transition piece that has a step down to carpet. Home Depot or Lowes, you'll find it there in the flooring section. At the threshold put 1/4 round and at the side against the wall.
Paul
July 2007